In Bermuda, the Employment Act 2000 governs the entitlements for vacation leave. According to Section 19 of this Act, employees with less than 5 years of continuous service are entitled to 2 weeks (10 working days) of paid annual leave. On the other hand, those with 5 or more years of continuous service receive 3 weeks (15 working days) of paid annual leave.

Eligibility and Accrual

Employees become eligible for vacation leave, prorated to their time served, after completing six months of continuous service. The leave accrues throughout the working year. However, it's the employers who determine when employees may take their leave, taking into account the needs of the business and providing reasonable notice.

Carry Over of Unused Leave

It's important to note that employees may carry over unused vacation leave to the next year, but this is subject to their employer's agreement, as per Section 19 of the Employment Act 2000.

Bermuda celebrates a variety of national, historical, and cultural holidays.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Bermuda Day (Last Friday in May): This day is a celebration of the island's heritage and culture. It has replaced the former Queen's Birthday holiday.
• National Heroes' Day (Third Monday in June): This day is dedicated to honoring significant figures in Bermudian history.
• Emancipation Day (First Thursday in August): This day commemorates the end of slavery in the British Empire, including Bermuda.
• Somers' Day (Friday after Emancipation Day): This day celebrates the arrival of Sir George Somers, who claimed Bermuda for England in 1609. Together with Emancipation Day, these two days are known as Cup Match, a significant sporting and cultural event.
• Remembrance Day (November 11): This day is dedicated to honoring those who died in military service.
• Christmas Day (December 25): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26): Traditionally, this day was for giving gifts to service workers, but it is now observed as an additional holiday.

In Bermuda, the Employment Act 2000 is the primary legislation governing leave entitlements.

Annual Vacation Leave

The legal basis for annual vacation leave is Section 19 of the Employment Act 2000. Employees with less than 5 years of continuous service are entitled to 2 weeks (10 working days) of paid annual leave. Those with 5 or more years of continuous service are entitled to 3 weeks (15 working days) of paid annual leave. Employees become eligible after completing six months of continuous service and receive leave prorated to their time served.

Sick Leave

Sick leave is governed by Section 21 of the Employment Act 2000. Employees are entitled to a maximum of 10 days of paid sick leave per year after completing one year of continuous service. Employers usually require a medical certificate to substantiate sick leave claims.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is based on Section 22 of the Employment Act 2000. Female employees are entitled to 8 weeks (56 days) of paid maternity leave. To qualify, they must have completed one year of continuous service with their employer.

Paternity Leave

Paternity leave is provided for in the Employment Act 2000 (as amended in 2020). Fathers are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child. Fathers must have completed one year of continuous service with their employer to be eligible.

Other Types of Leave

The Employment Act does not mandate bereavement leave. However, many employers offer bereavement leave as part of their policies. Employees are entitled to time off for jury service, and employers may not dismiss or penalize them for this civic duty.